Trade Union Criticises South Africa Cabinet Salary Hike

Trade Union Criticises South Africa Cabinet Salary Hike
Funke Atohengbe, Pretoria

The South African Federated Trade Union, COSATU, has criticised President Jacob Zuma over the five percent salary hike approved for cabinet ministers and other political office holders.

Speaking to newsmen on the wage increase, COSATU President, Sdumo Dlamini said that the move was inconsistent with government's call for a social pact to curb wages hike to encourage economic development.

President Zuma had last Friday, approved a five percent salary increase, lower than the seven percent recommended by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Service holders.

Dlamini said there was a huge outcry during the protracted public sector workers' strike over demands for wage hike. He said workers were described as being ‘insensitive' for sticking to the wage demand of eight percent and one thousand Rands housing allowance.

 The new salary hike takes effect from April 1 2010.

Williams/Yinka